Nearly a year after the mass shooting in Uvalde, lawmakers in Austin spent the day Sunday discussing and passing a sweeping school safety bill.
House Bill 3 was initially three separate bills, when they were filed at the start of the legislative session.
If passed, the bill would require the Texas School Safety Center to check all school buildings at least every five years, to make sure they're secure. It would also create a safety and security department within the Texas Education Agency and give it the authority to compel school districts to establish robust active-shooter protocols.
The bill would also require the TEA to develop standards for notifying parents of "violent activity" on campus, such as any threats that may happen.
Sen. José Menéndez, from San Antonio, said with an historic budget surplus this biennium, lawmakers should be doing more. “There is nothing more important, I believe, this session, than what this bill addresses,” Sen. Menendez said. “That is the safety of our children and our schools. Obviously I’m going to be supportive of this legislation, but I just wish it went a little bit further.”
Now HB 3 heads back to the House to work out a compromise. If that happens, the bill moves on for final approval, and Governor Abbott for his signature.
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